Chapter Fourteen

The Dalton ranch was quiet when the group arrived home, each eager to seek out their respective bedrooms for some much-desired sleep. Taryn bid Brad goodnight at the top of the stairs at her bedroom door. Entering her room, she reached for the buttons on the back of her gown. She saw the flash of a shadow and opened her mouth to scream. Propelled back against the wall, a hand covered her mouth.

“It’s Jared.”

She stopped her struggling long enough to focus on him. He took his hand away from her mouth and released her once she recognized him. “You gave me an awful fright!” She took a step away from him. “What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you,” he said in a low voice, walking over near the bed.

“Did you find it necessary it be here? If anyone finds out…”

“I wanted you to be alone. Your bedroom is the place I was certain to find you so.”

She couldn’t decide whether to be insulted by his remark or not. “Is something wrong?” Her mind considered the bounty hunter the marshal had mentioned.

“No, there’s nothing wrong.”

“Then why…” A small tap on the door interrupted her question.

“Taryn?”

She froze with alarm at the sound of her mother’s voice from the hallway. Her mother was outside her bedroom door!

Jared made it out the balcony doors when the bedroom door opened.

“Taryn?”

Taryn spun around, wondering if her mother had seen him. “Mother, weren’t you in bed?” She hoped her mother didn’t notice the high pitch to her voice.

“I was, but with all the excitement of the evening I was having a hard time getting to sleep. I noticed your light on. Why, you haven’t even changed yet.”

“I’m having difficulty with the buttons.”

“Here, let me help you.” Madeline walked toward her.

Taryn moved away from the balcony doors. She couldn’t refuse her mother’s help but didn’t care to undress with Jared so close. She turned her back to her mother to unfasten the buttons.

“All finished.”

“Thank you.” She refrained from removing the dress, wishing she could button it back up. So much exposure made her nervous when Jared stood steps away.

Madeline went to the bed, turning down the coverlets for her. “Well, I suppose we should both get some sleep. It’s morning.” Madeline kissed her before leaving the room.

Jared walked back into the room, and she sighed in relief of her mother not discovering his presence.

“Very nicely done.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She placed the palms of her hands over her face, groaning aloud at the thought of what almost happened.

He walked over to her and considered her present state of undress. His desire overrode his original intention of having a simple conversation with her. Holding her in his arms dominated his thoughts. He took her hands from her face. “Do you remember the night on the train, what I told you we would be doing if there were a decent bed to be found?”

She became wary, her mother forgotten.

“Your bed is as decent as I’ve seen.” He rested his hands on her bare shoulders.

“Yes, but your proposal isn’t!”

His hands moved down to her shoulder blades. Her gown slipped downward. He kissed her cheek, moving to the side of her neck.

He did it again. The sensations he inspired sparked within her. “Jared…”

She heard another tap on the door.

“Christ!” Jared rushed to the balcony doors once again.

Madeline poked her head in the room. “Taryn, I remembered…” her voice trailed off. “Who’s there with you?”

Her gaze darted to her mother as Jared stepped out onto the balcony. “No one.” This time her mother had seen his shadow. “You were about to say?”

“Oh, yes. Gwen and I were talking earlier. We thought the three of us could spend an afternoon together before your wedding. We were thinking a late lunch in town tomorrow.”

“How nice.” Her mother’s sweet gesture produced a smile. She would have agreed to anything with her nerves so rattled. Her mother’s gaze kept skirting past her to the balcony.

“Good.” Madeline glanced again at the balcony, smiling. “You best say a final goodnight to Brad. It’s late,” Madeline remarked before closing the doors.

Stunned and relieved at the same time, Taryn stared at the closed door. Her mother had seen Jared but thought him Brad. Even misunderstanding, her mother’s lack of shock over her being alone in her bedroom with Brad surprised Taryn. She didn’t have time now to consider it further. She rushed out onto the balcony, holding her gown up when it slipped off her shoulder.

“Looking for me?”

“Jared, you’ve got to leave. My mother saw you walk out here. If she comes back…”

“Is she off to get the shotgun?”

Taryn made a face. How he could jest at such a time was unthinkable. “She thought you were Brad.”

“Which makes it permissible.” He walked back into the bedroom then moved to the bedroom door to lock it.

“Don’t start in on Brad,” she said in his defense, following him. “My mother knows he’s always a perfect gentleman.”

He took her by her forearm, drawing her near. “But do you want a ‘perfect gentleman’ all the time, Taryn?” His fingers caressed her cheek. He covered her mouth with his for an unhurried kiss.

“Jared, you can’t kiss me,” she breathed in weak protest when he raised his mouth from hers.

“But I am kissing you, Taryn.” His lips moved to her cheek, before returning to her mouth.

As always, the power of his kisses made her forget her mother, forget Brad. At the moment, she didn’t care if her mother, Brad, or anyone else came upon them. Her hands reached up to rest on his shoulders. What was it about him to cause her to throw caution to the wind?

His kiss grew more passionate. She couldn’t seem to breathe. His arms were around her, pressing her closer while his tongue played with hers. His kiss caused a limpness to come over her, like a rag doll with no control over its limbs. Her arms slid around his neck as though he willed them to do so.

She could still tell him to leave before it was too late. Oh, but what he did to her with a kiss alone. His mouth found her earlobe, and she could feel the warmth of his breath in her ear. One strong arm around her waist to support her, his mouth blazed across her jaw line, up and over to her other ear. His hands came up, his fingers seeking the combs holding her hair in place. Found, he tossed them aside. The mass of hair tumbled past her shoulders. His kisses traced a slow pattern down her neck. Her gown slipped down to her waist. This time, she made no move to retrieve it. He kissed the base of her neck moving downward. His mouth pressed to the exposed flesh. She took a deep breath, feeling his fingers brush over the valley of her breasts. His hand slid inside the waistband of her under-garments. With one easy movement, he pulled her gown and under slips down. She could feel his palms pressed to the sides of her hips, sliding down the tops of her thighs as the gown fell around her ankles. She stepped out of her shoes and the circle of her gown. A second later, he kicked the clothing away in an unconscious movement.

She stood before him wearing her chemise and stockings. He took her hand in his, placing her palm on his chest. There were no words spoken, and none needed for his intent.

What was she doing? Her parents, relatives, and fiancé were down the hall. She was marrying Brad in a matter of days. Even with her conscience shouting warnings in her mind, she did not object when he removed his shirt. She remembered the expanse of his chest, the feel of his muscles under her fingertips. In the solitude and intimacy of her bedroom, she felt a higher awareness of his sensual masculinity. Stirrings of curiosity overruled her senses, and with a tentative touch, Taryn placed her palms on his shoulders, then ran them down the front of his hard-muscled chest to his taunt stomach, pausing at his belt buckle. His hand reached up around the back of her neck, pulling her forward, his mouth swooping down over hers.

No tender, teasing kisses this time, but one heady passion-filled kiss. His tongue darted inside her mouth to plunder and capture her will. Her hands left his waistband to come up around his neck when his kiss increased its demands. She clutched at his shoulders pressing him closer. She wanted him closer still. His arms enfolded her. She stood on tip-toe as he ravaged her mouth with his kiss. Her fingers reached into the wavy thickness of his hair, having longed to once again feel its soft texture.

In a fluid motion, he picked her up in his arms, walking over to the bed, and setting her on her feet by the side of it. He slanted his mouth over hers once more.

She burned with a strange desire, her stomach clenching with a gnawing knot begging for sustenance in a form to which she was not familiar. His kiss sapped her will, made her long for things she hadn’t experienced.

Remembering Taryn had never experienced what was about to happen, Jared forced himself to control his desire originating from the moment they’d met. A desire intensified to the point where he could think of nothing but her alone. He took her face in his hands commanding her attention as she lifted her eyes to his. “Taryn, do you realize what is about to happen between us?”

Her response came out in unfulfilled longing. “Yes.”

“Do you have any doubts?” he asked. “I’ll leave now before…”

She clamped her arms tighter around his neck to prevent him from leaving her side. She would go mad if he did. She couldn’t deny the need she felt any longer. “My mother never told me much about what happens, but she said once I should expect pain. Will it hurt?”

Jared mentally sighed. Heaven help mothers who put more fear into their daughters’ minds by being too embarrassed to explain things. “Only once,” he said, kissing her temple.

“Will you let me know when?”

“Yes, I’ll let you know.”

Relief replaced her apprehensive gaze, and a smile touched her mouth. She gazed into his eyes knowing their time had come. “Kiss me, Jared.” Hunger and longing filled their kiss, a flame white hot with need. He pulled back. His breathing ragged, he reached for the lacings of her chemise.

Taryn was still processing the effects of his heady kiss when she realized he had unlaced her chemise, removing it from her. She took a deep breath to calm her rising fear. She wanted this even though she had no idea what ‘this’ consisted of. There was no denying the desire she felt, but it didn’t prevent the nervousness accompanying her desire. Unclothed, her self-consciousness prevented her from holding his gaze.

The sight of Taryn exposed for his view caused his heart to slam against the wall of his chest. His desire built, evidenced by the bulge pressing against his pants, but he forced control over his body. He had to keep his pace slow. He raised her chin with his knuckle. “You have a beautiful body, Taryn. You don’t have to feel self-conscious.”

She smiled, a blush warming her cheeks. When he removed the rest of his clothing, her eyes widened at first sight of a naked man. His body was magnificent, every inch hard muscle. The idea of what was about to occur between them caused the icy fingers of trepidation to crawl up her back. She raised her eyes as he came to stand before her again. “Jared…?”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of, sweetheart. We’re going to take this very, very slowly,” he said, his voice low and husky. She was ready for the experience, the fear she expressed caused by the unknown.

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t explain what I’m feeling right now. It’s as though I have a knot in my stomach I can’t untie.”

Jared experienced emotion he’d never felt before. The mere sight of Taryn caused his control over his body to become a monumental feat. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted another woman, and he wanted it to be right. He caressed her cheek with his fingers. “Let me love you. Your instincts will take over. The rest I’ll teach you.”

Reassured, she smiled. “I want you to teach me.” Her own voice filled with anxious anticipation.

He could barely contain the strong desire her words caused in him. He slowly lowered his head, gently touched his lips to hers. He kissed the corners of her mouth, then with short light kisses, the center, all the while keeping his hands to his sides. With each kiss, he could feel her anticipating the next. Her head tilted upward, her mouth seeking his, her arms reaching up around his shoulders. The touch of her palms on his bare skin set him on fire. Temptation urged him to scoop her up, place her on the bed, and succumb to the primitiveness of fulfilling his desire with wild abandon. Yet, it was her first time. If he surrendered to his own needs, he would succeed in frightening her. He forced himself to go as slowly as he’d promised her. In the end, they would both be fulfilled.

He reached up, removing the remaining pins from her hair. It was his undoing. The soft waves of her hair caressed his forearms as it cascaded around her face and shoulders. He sank his fingers into the thick mass, drawing her head to his.

He placed his hands on her waist, pulling her close, and warning himself again to be gentle. He could smell the fragrance of her hair, feel her small waist beneath his hands, and taste the sweetness of her mouth. The combination of the three drove him mad with desire.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body pressed against his. A smoldering kiss consumed her with his tongue circling and caressing hers.

He eased her back onto the bed then leaned over her to capture her mouth once more, demanding her response.

“Shouldn’t we extinguish the candle?” She was still breathless when he raised his mouth from hers.

“No, I want to see you.” He traced a path with his tongue along the lines of her ear.

A shiver of delight rippled through her as his tongue toyed with her ear. His mouth moved to her neck, and she caught her breath.

Leaning on one elbow, he ran his finger along her jawline then trailed it down her neck to the rise and fall of her chest. He brushed his fingers over the nipple of one breast, hearing her intake of breath. Cupping her breast, he moved his fingers around the peak, cajoling it into hardness.

His touch elicited a panting gasp to escape her. She had never realized her breasts were so sensitive. Her body reacted spontaneously. He alternated from one breast to the other, commanding her body at will. She saw him lower his head, his mouth covering one hardened peak. Gasping in pleasure, her hands clasped his upper arms. His tongue swirled around the tip, flicking and circling, then pulling with his mouth. She struggled to take a full breath. Arching her back in supplication, he responded by moving his mouth to her other breast. Her fingers sank into his hair at the nape of his neck. Her breathing intensified, the struggle now a full battle. When his mouth found hers again, she clasped him to her in fierce need, her passion growing.

He could feel his heart pounding, a savage pummeling within his chest. Taryn’s kisses and body were the cause. He kissed her, kissed her everywhere—her temples, her eyes, her mouth, down past her breasts to her ribs and stomach, then sliding down over her naval.

Taryn sucked in her breath. The heat of his mouth seared her skin, the spark kindling for the fire beginning to ignite in her loins. His tongue traced a slow, tantalizing pattern down across her ribs to her stomach. He paused below her naval, to tantalize, arousing her with the hesitation before he retraced his pattern back up to her mouth.

An incoherent pleading sound passed her lips. He pressed his mouth over hers. She felt his hands roaming over her body, his fingers enticing. His hands slid over her shoulders, down her arms, across her stomach to her legs and buttocks. She didn’t know her body could feel this way. She didn’t want him to stop caressing her. His hand trailed back to her stomach. She felt the knot in her stomach twisting, tightening. She wanted something but didn’t know what. The sensations he inspired drove her insane with desire. “Jared…”

“Yes?” He kissed the corner of her mouth.

“I want…something.” Uncertainty filled her, unsure how to explain what she wanted when she didn’t know herself.

An expressive smile spread across his face. His hand slid over her stomach, once more moving over the mound of curls.

“No!” She felt her modesty ripple through her. She grasped his wrist. “What are you doing?”

“Easy, sweetheart.” He kissed her again.

“But…” She didn’t understand. He threw his leg over hers then separated her legs, bent one of his, and used it as a brace between hers.

“Trust me, Taryn.” He began kissing her with such passion she released her hold of his wrist. He moved his hand once more between her legs, pressing his palm there.

The intimate contact jolted her, but when he did nothing more, she relaxed again. She concentrated on his kiss, feeling the warmth of his hand placed over her womanhood. A moment later, she gasped against his mouth in response to his finger tracing a pattern through the triangle of curls around the tender skin.

He leaned up to watch her face as his fingers caressed more intimately. She was warm, wet, and he insinuated a finger within her.

Taryn’s eyes expressed her shock. He answered her questioning gaze with his caresses. A burning need began spreading throughout her entire body. At first the movement of his fingers was slow, but the movement quickened, causing her to moan in need. Her lower body twitched, undulating under his hand. Soft low moans passed her lips, and he increased the pressure, propelling her to a higher climax. Her breathing conflicted, she gulped for air, feeling herself soaring upward. Taryn didn’t know what was happening, but she didn’t want it to stop. She felt her breath catch when his fingers moved within her, causing sensations begging her to cry out in joy. Releasing her breath in one long sigh, she descended back to reality.

He smiled in delight as he saw her expression. Her cheeks were rose-colored, her eyes a shimmering green. When he removed his fingers, she moaned in protest. He laughed. “The best is yet to come.”

Taryn couldn’t believe anything could feel as glorious as what she’d experienced. She pulled his head down, surprising him with the passion in her kiss. He rolled over onto his back bringing her with him. She raised her mouth from his, kissing his neck, then his chest and shoulders. Her fingers caressed his chest in awakening desire. He groaned a low guttural sound.

Shifting, he lay over her. The feel of his body against hers was comforting. She felt content to lie together, but she felt him raise himself above her, placing his knees between hers, spreading her legs wider. Her gaze expressed her confusion. When she felt his manhood probing, she tensed her legs. He held her legs apart to prevent her from closing them. Her emotions ranged from eager curiosity to panicked anxiety.

Sensing Taryn’s uncertainty, he covered her mouth with his. His tongue slipped into her mouth, his kiss more passionate. Longing to thrust himself within her, he remained poised, allowing her to relax. When he felt her resistance fade, he pressed himself forward.

A warm sensation grew within her with each of his thrusts. Her body acted on instinct, moving in rhythm with his. She grasped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his flesh in response. Every fiber of her senses awakened when the motion quickened, begging for release yet longing for the feelings to be prolonged. He entwined his fingers with hers. “Taryn?”

Wild with longing, she gazed into his eyes. By the way he hesitated, the painful part was about to happen.

He pressed forward again, rocking with increasing rhythm then plunged into her one final time.

Taryn opened her mouth in shock at the sharp stab of discomfort. He pressed his mouth over hers to stifle her cry. She felt his body shudder under her fingertips as he lay against her. He remained within her for a moment longer before withdrawing.

He rolled off her, laying on his back. He pulled her into the crook of his arm while attempting to regain his breath. Turning with her still in his arms, he kissed her. His gaze held concern as he pulled back and gazed down. “Are you all right, Taryn?” He brushed his fingers against her cheek.

Taryn stared into his eyes, remaining quiet. She was no longer a virgin. She had heard some girls cried after the loss of their virginity. She had always wondered if she would succumb to emotion. Now, after her first experience, she had no desire to cry for something lost. On the contrary, she was in awe of the experience, curious as to how it would be the second, third or fourth time. “I’m fine. Does it always hurt at the end?” She felt embarrassed by her own question. She had never known what to expect. Her mother had never gone into great detail when informing her of the intimate nature of a man and woman’s relationship. There was no one with whom she could discuss such a topic. She wanted to know.

“I’m sorry I hurt you. It will never hurt again.”

Her smile widened in anticipation. “Never?”

He brushed back a wisp of her hair away from her cheek, smiling. “Never,” he assured her, running his hand up and down her arm. “Are you sure you’re all right, sweetheart?”

She nodded, content. She hesitated as she formed her question. “Can we do it again so I know what it’s like when it doesn’t hurt at the end?”

“What am I going to do with you?”

A slow smile formed on her mouth. “Make love to me, Jared.” Though her words were bold, she felt the heat of a blush suffusing her face at voicing them.

He rolled over. He took her face in his hands, a broad grin suffusing his face. “We haven’t even begun.” His mouth captured hers.

After they made love once again, she discovered he had been right. It didn’t hurt at all. It was glorious. Regaining her breath, she leaned over him, smiling in satisfaction. “Jared?”

“Hmmm?”

“Will you promise not to laugh at me if I try something?”

He ran his hands up and down her back. “What is it you want to try?”

Taryn didn’t know how to say it. He had brought her to the heights of pleasure, caressing her until she pleaded for relief. She wanted to do the same. “I want to make love to you.” She held her breath as she waited for his response.

He wasn’t sure he understood her. “Taryn, you have made love with me.”

“No. I mean I want to kiss and touch you, as you did to me.”

He inhaled, realizing what she wanted. “Why would you think I would laugh?”

“I might not do something right.”

He felt his heart hammer at the sweet innocence of her desire to please him. He kissed her. “I will never laugh at anything you may want to do, and if you have questions, ask me.”

Taryn smiled, encouraged by his words. She leaned down, trailing kisses along his jaw line, down his neck, and across his chest.

Amazed, he felt himself harden again after so short a time since they’d last made love. Her mouth pressed warmly against his chest. He felt his breathing erratic as her hands ran down his arms and over his stomach.

“Taryn…” His voice raw with desire, he felt her hand brush over his manhood.

She paused. “I’m not sure…”

He reached a hand down, taking her hand in his, teaching her the movement. When she continued caressing him, he felt as though he would explode with the desire he felt. Pulling her closer, he rolled over, pressing his mouth over hers. Reaching downward, he awakened her senses with his hand to prepare her for his entry. She moaned in gratification when he entered her, panting and moaning as he rocked within her. Her climax near, Jared pressed his mouth over hers to prevent her from crying out in the silence of the room.

Long moments later, he turned his body toward Taryn’s. “Promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“Don’t let me teach you too much more. If you become any more experienced, I won’t live through it.”

“Did I give you pleasure?”

Her question unassuming, he communicated his hunger for her with his kiss. “Beyond words.” Taryn nestled up against him. He wanted to lose himself in her.

Taryn had no experience to compare his lovemaking, but she could not imagine any man being more skilled, tender, or passionate. Unable to get enough of the other, they continued their lovemaking through the hours. Their desires and needs sated, an exhausted, but satisfied sleep overcame them.

Jared woke by mid-morning, tired, but pleased. Taryn lay draped across him, her head on his stomach, one arm lazily thrown across his. She still slept. He considered the past night’s events. He had never enjoyed making love to a woman more than he had with Taryn. Even with her innocence, she had been alive with passion, giving him more pleasure than he’d ever experienced. He pulled out of his thoughts. He had to leave. “Taryn.” She mumbled an inarticulate reply. “Wake up.” He pulled her limp body up toward the head of the bed. He turned on his side, cradling her in his arms. Brushing back her hair, he kissed her until her eyes fluttered open.

“I have to leave.”

She managed a groggy response. Sunlight streamed into the room from the balcony doors. She squinted against the light. Her mind a haze, she attempted to discern the time of day.

He kissed her again then got out of bed to dress. She sat back against the pillows, her body and mind waking. She wanted nothing more than to laze about in bed with him for the remainder of the day.

Dressed, he came back over toward the bed. He glanced at Taryn, noticing the forlorn air about her. He cupped her chin, drawing her face to his as he leaned over the bed. “I’m sorry I have to leave like this. If I stay longer, we’ll risk someone seeing me leave your room.”

Although Taryn didn’t want him to leave, she knew he was right. It would be disastrous if her parents or relatives awoke to discover him in her room. She got out of bed, following him to the balcony. Not knowing what to say, she reached up around his neck, pulling his head down.

He held Taryn, tempted to take her back to bed, but knowing it was impossible. He forced himself to pull away. Smiling, he brushed his knuckles against her cheek before making his exit through the balcony doors.

She lingered over the passion of his departing kiss, then walked back to bed, crawling beneath the bedcovers once more. A smile rested on her face. She loved Jared King, and he loved her.

****

Late in the morning following the Morrell wedding, Marcus walked into his office to find the sheriff, Andrew Donahue, sitting at his desk, his head bent over a piece of paper he scribbled upon. Andrew had not noticed him enter. Marcus studied him before making his presence known. A man in his late twenties, the sheriff was average in all respects—his height, build, and even his features. The man was as transparent as they came, but it suited Marcus. The last thing he wanted was a sheriff angling for his position. Marcus didn’t have to worry with Andrew.

Andrew glanced up, seeing Marcus standing before him. “I was writing you a note,” Andrew said, putting his pencil down and crumpling the piece of paper he’d been writing on. “Dean Breck’s dead, shot from what I understand. I’m heading over to the casino. One of the employees found him there. I still can’t believe it.”

“Yes, a shame,” Marcus agreed. “Such a well-liked man. We’ll have to move quickly with the investigation. When the town hears of this, there will be an outcry for justice.”

When Andrew and Marcus arrived at Breck’s, the local undertaker along with the employee who discovered the body were waiting for them. Breck’s body lay sprawled on the floor in front of the bar. After a quick examination of the body, Marcus gestured for the undertaker to go about his business.

Marcus questioned the employee. “This is how you found him?”

“Yes, as you see him. I came in this morning to clean up as I always do and found him there.”

“Did you work in this room last night?”

“Yes, until two in the morning. Mr. Breck usually lets me go as the final card game concludes. He closed the place, and then I would clean up in the morning.”

“I want the names of the people who were still here when you left last night,” Marcus instructed the employee. He then turned to Andrew. “While I’m taking the names, Andrew, why don’t you inspect the room to see if you can find anything helpful to our investigation.”

Andrew nodded. He wandered around the room, stopping at a table displaying remnants of its last occupants.

Marcus glimpsed King’s watch on the floor near Breck’s body. He hoped he wouldn’t have to point it out to Andrew. Marcus glanced at Andrew, impatient for the evidence to be found. Andrew stared at the card table as though waiting for it to speak. There was nothing at the table.

“Did you want the names?”

Irritated, Marcus turned to face the employee. “Yes, yes, of course.” He took out a piece of paper and pencil.

Andrew studied the card table he stood by. Cards lay scattered across the table. A few glasses holding stale liquor. A crystal dish held a burnt-out cigar. Andrew picked up the stub of the cigar, smelling the brand, then placed it back down, still contemplating the aroma of it. He moved back toward the bar then caught the reflection of gold on the floor. Picking the item up, Andrew opened the timepiece, staring at it.

Finished with the employee, Marcus dismissed him then turned to Andrew. “Did you find something?”

Andrew handed the timepiece to Marcus.

Marcus found it difficult to hide his smile. Even he had not known of the inscription with King’s name inside the cover. “So, King has killed again,” Marcus remarked, snapping the cover closed. “According to Breck’s employee, King was one of three men here when he left. His error has made our job very easy.”

Andrew frowned. “We’ll have to question the other two men before a judgment is made.”

“Yes, of course, but instinct tells me King is responsible for this.” Marcus raised his eyes to Andrew. “You’ll see what I say is true. King will be behind bars before the town even discovers what’s happened.”